The deal, completed on Friday night, will allow CGI to expand its offering to include greater fulfilment and direct marketing capacity.

CGI group operations director Barry Page said: "This acquisition will substantially increase our offering in the digital print market and will allow us to provide our existing clients with a dramatically increased mailing and fulfilment service."

He said that the deal would give a "firmer foothold" in the business process outsourcing (BPO) market, which includes data handling, direct marketing and statement and invoice printing.

CGI now plans to move its digital print department into 3D Digital's premises during the summer.

3D Digital will trade under the CGI name. The acquisition is not expected to lead to any redundancies.

Story by Josh Brooks